Cables are the perfect way to add a classic touch to whatever you’re knitting. This free pattern set includes 5 versatile cable patterns that you can add to all kinds of knitting projects!
Most cables knit up narrower than the same number of stitches in a stockinette or other patterns. Make sure you take this into account if you’re adding cables to an existing pattern (like modifying a sweater or cardigan.) On the reverse of all patterns you simply knit the knits and purl the purls. The panel shown has gaps of 4 rows of stockinette between the cables. There’s a link to download this project at the bottom of the post.
Pattern 1: Twist
Worked over 8 stitches
Row 1: p2, k4, p2
Row 2: k2, p4, k2
Row 3: p2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2
Row 4: k2, p4, k2
Repeat rows 1 through 4
Pattern 2: Uneven Twist
Worked over 8 stitches
Row 1: p2, k4, p2
Row 2: k2, p4, k2
Row 3: p2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2
Row 4: k2, p4, k2
Row 5: p2, k4, p2
Row 6: k2, p4, k2
Row 7: p2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2
Row 8: k2, p4, k2
Row 9: p2, k4, p2
Row 10: k2, p4, k2
Row 11: p2, k4, p2
Row 12: k2, p4, k2
Repeat rows 1 through 12
Pattern 3: Braid
Worked over 10 stitches
Row 1: p2, k6, p2
Row 2: k2, p6, k2
Row 3: p2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, k2, p2
Row 4: k2, p6, k2
Row 5: p2, k6, p2
Row 6: k2, p6, k2
Row 7: p2, k2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to back, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2
Row 8: k2, p6, k2
Repeat rows 1 through 8
Pattern 4: 4 Strand Plait
Worked over 12 stitches
Row 1: p2, k8, p2
Row 2: k2, p8, k2
Row 3: p2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2
Row 4: k2, p8, k2
Row 5: p2, k8, p2
Row 6: k2, p8, k2
Row 7: p2, k2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to back, k2, k2 from cable needle, k2, p2
Row 8: k2, p8, k2
Repeat rows 1 through 8
Pattern 5: 6 Strand Plait
Worked over 16 stitches
Row 1: p2, k12, p2
Row 2: k2, p12, k2
Row 3: p2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2
Row 4: k2, p12, k2
Row 5: p2, k12, p2
Row 6: k2, p12, k2
Row 7: p2, k2, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to back, k2, k2 from cable needle, place 2 stitches on cable needle and hold to back, k2, k2 from cable needle, k2, p2
Row 8: k2, p12, k2
Repeat rows 1 through 8
You can download the PDF ebook version of this by clicking here!
If you choose to share this project (how sweet of you!) please do so by linking to this blog post rather than posting the ebook for download. Thank you!